My Best Friend

Lightweight but generally engaging, My Best Friend stars Daniel Auteuil as François – a successful art dealer who comes to the abrupt realization that he doesn’t have any real friends. Spurred on by a bet, François sets out to prove that he has at least one close confidant – a quest that leads him straight to likeable cabbie Bruno (Dany Boon). Director Patrice Leconte has essentially crafted a heterosexual romantic comedy, complete with the requisite fake break-up towards the film’s conclusion. On that level, the movie basically works; the third act is much longer than it needs to be and riddled with needless instances of sentiment, but it’s difficult not to get caught up in François’ plight. Auteuil’s effective, engaging performance certainly goes a long way towards ensuring the film’s success, something that’s equally true of the inclusion of several genuinely hilarious sequences (including François’ fruitless efforts to ingratiate himself to complete strangers). Leconte’s jittery camerawork seems incongruous with the breezy tone, and although there are few surprises to be had within My Best Friend‘s running time, the movie is rarely boring.

**1/2 out of ****